The Purge : Election Year

THE PURGE : ELECTION YEAR

Director : James DeMonaco

Year : 2016

Genre : Horror/Thriller

Rating : **

This third entry in James DeMonaco and Platinum Dunes' all-crime-is-legal horror thriller franchise may improve on 2014's underwhelming 'The Purge : Anarchy' but still manages to overlook the endless array of options and story arcs the basic premise of the series so clearly invites. Following on from the events of 'Anarchy', 'The Purge : Election Year' sees anti-Purge presidential candidate Charlie Roan (Elizabeth Mitchell) being hunted on Purge night by the supporters of the annual 12 hours of terror. With the help of Frank Grillo's grizzled Sgt. Leo Barnes (reprising his role from the previous movie), Roan must evade the swastika-tattoed mercenaries and mask wearing crazies and survive the night. As is typical with the other films in the series, 'The Purge : Election Year' is far from subtle - with overt Clinton/Trump symbolism and partisan rhetoric running rampant throughout it's lean 90 minute running time. However, apart from it's somewhat amusing in-your-face political message and a number of over-the-top performances that make pantomime look understated, 'The Purge : Election Year' lacks any of the visceral thrills or pointed social metaphors that made it's predecessors stand out amongst the-then saturated horror/thriller crowd.